THE shortlists for the Fenland Poet Laureate Awards 2013 have been announced.

The judges have selected ten finalists in the adult contest and three in the junior category from almost 100 entries.

The three finalists in the Young Fenland Poet Laureate contest are James Horsburgh, of Wisbech, Bonnie Scott, of Chatteris and Kristin Tunnard, of King’s Lynn.

The shortlisted ten adults in the Fenland Poet Laureate contest are Deborah Curtis, of Littleport, Lizzy Doe, of Waterbeach, Rani Drew, of Cambridge, Aaron Garner, of March, Poppy Kleiser, of Wisbech, Leanne Modern, of Ely, Emma Ormond, of Cambridge, Andrea Porter, of St Ives, Michelle Stanbridge, of Barroway Drove and Taymaz Valley, of March.

Karen Harvey, of Atelier East, who founded the competition in 2011, said: “We were so suprised and delighted to read them all, and grateful to everyone who has got involved, supported and shared this initiative.

“It has been hard work, but we’ve all pulled together to make it happen, and it has happened with great results.

“Congratulations to everyone involved. We can’t wait for the awards evening and to hear the poets bring their words to life.”

The Fenland Poet Laureate Awards received a Clore Poetry and Literature Award and attracted international coverage last year.

Elaine Ewart, current Fenland Poet Laurete and one of this year’s judges, praised the quality of this year’s entries.

She said: “There were so many evocative entries, some melancholy, some humorous, written by people who had really put a lot of thought into creating a Fenland atmosphere.

“I could almost feel myself sinking into the damp black soil, flattened by the prevailing Fen Blow.”

All of the shortlisted entrants have been invited to read their poems at the special Awards Evening at Wisbech & Fenland Museum on March 1, which starts at 7pm.

Tickets to the event are free and available by emailing info@atelier-east.co.uk